Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the US, with basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, and sebaceous carcinoma being some of the leading types. Excessive sun exposure is one of the primary causes of skin cancer. However, even if you regularly protect your sensitive skin from sun damage, there’s still a chance that you might be affected by it at some point in your life. Regularly checking your body for any abnormalities on the skin is beneficial for identifying skin cancer.
Aside from protecting your sensitive skin from sun damage, many other natural remedies can aid in its prevention. Diet plays a significant role in the prevention of the different types of skin cancer in America, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
For those looking for less conventional treatment, let’s take a closer look at how to treat skin cancer naturally and see which skin cancer natural treatment methods may be a fit for you or your loved ones. While there are natural remedies that can be effective, skin cancer surgery is another primary treatment option. At Immunity Therapy Center, we’re advocates for holistic treatments and we love spreading the knowledge to keep you happy, healthy, and informed. If you or a loved one are looking for a safe and natural way to treat skin cancer, read on to find out more.
Essential Oils: Nature’s Cancer Fighters
Essential oils are a powerful natural remedy for a variety of health conditions, including skin cancer. Some of the most effective essential oils for skin cancer include frankincense oil and black raspberry seed oil. Frankincense essential oil has been shown to have cancer-fighting abilities in breast, bladder, and skin cancers, while black raspberry seed oil is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to target tumors. For skin cancer natural treatment, try adding some of these cancer-fighting essential oils for skin cancer into your wellness routine.
#1 Frankincense Oil
Used as a healing agent across cultures for centuries, Frankincense oil has also been noted for its cancer-fighting abilities in cancers of the breast, bladder, and skin. Frankincense oil can be found at most local pharmacies, or bought online.
#2 Black Raspberry Seed Oil
Blackberry seeds are said to fight cancer cells, and they’re known for their immune-boosting properties and their ability to target the tumor itself.
#3 Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil is a traditional remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. While there is limited scientific data on its effectiveness, some studies have shown that myrrh oil can fight cancer cells in prostate, breast, and skin cancers. To use myrrh oil as a natural remedy for skin cancer, simply add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
#4 Tea Tree Oil
Known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil has been used for various skin conditions, including skin cancer. Its active compounds, such as terpinen-4-ol, exhibit antitumor effects and may aid in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
#5 Sandalwood Oil
Known for its skin rejuvenating properties, sandalwood oil may help improve the appearance of skin affected by skin cancer. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support the skin’s healing process.
#6 Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is often used in skincare due to its astringent and regenerative properties. It may aid in promoting healthy skin and supporting the body’s natural healing response to skin cancer.
#7 Carrot Seed Oil
Rich in antioxidants, carrot seed oil may help protect the skin from free radical damage. It is also believed to have rejuvenating properties that can support the overall health and appearance of the skin affected by skin cancer.
#8 Lavender Oil
With its soothing and calming properties, lavender essential oil can provide relief for skin irritation caused by skin cancer or treatments. Its anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with skin cancer.
Although natural and herbal remedies are more favorable than traditional surgery or targeted cancer therapy options, remember to take an approach that best suits your diagnosis. While scientific research is ongoing and more evidence is needed, several factors contribute to why essential oils may be beneficial in the context of skin cancer:
- Antioxidant Properties: Essential oils are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and oxidative stress, protecting skin cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Essential oils like frankincense, lavender, and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation and inhibit cancer cell or tumor growth.
- Antitumor Potential: Some essential oils contain compounds that exhibit antitumor effects, such as frankincense oil’s ability to induce cancer cell death.
- Immune System Support: Certain oils, like tea tree and myrrh oil, stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body’s defense against skin cancer.
- Skin Nourishment and Healing: Using essential oil moisturize, soothe, and promote skin regeneration, aiding in the recovery and maintenance of healthy skin affected by cancer.
Natural Treatment Options For Skin Cancer
When it comes to treating skin cancer, natural treatment options can be just as effective as medical treatments. Natural treatments for skin cancer typically involve lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, topical treatments, and herbal remedies.
Dietary Changes for Skin Cancer
A good place to start is your diet. The most common cancers in America are nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, with over 5 million cases treated annually.
Basal cell sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two of the most common forms of skin cancer, with the former often caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. Any damage to DNA can prohibit proper functioning in our cells, leading to an excessive growth of cancer cells.8 Even though this type of cancer is not necessarily life-threatening, if left untreated, it can become more aggressive.
Fortunately, the chances of developing skin cancer can be reduced through preventive measures. In addition to shielding skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, studies have also suggested that antioxidants can help protect against cancer-causing free radicals. For this reason, many dermatologists now recommend eating a diet that is high in vitamins C, E, and A, zinc, selenium, beta carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, and polyphenols. Various fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of these antioxidants.
Vitamin C
Researchers have discovered that certain elements of vitamin C make it toxic to cancer cells. Though proof is yet to indicate that it inhibits or lessens skin cancer instances, research has pointed to a connection between high vitamin C levels in the blood and a diminished overall risk of cancer. To maximize the potential of this natural remedy, consuming foods like oranges, limes, raspberries, strawberries, and leafy greens daily is highly recommended.
Vitamin A
A higher intake of Vitamin A has been found to reduce the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This nutrient is abundant in a variety of sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef liver, eggs, carrots, kale, pumpkin, and broccoli. These foods can help to keep the skin supple and looking healthy.
Vitamin E
This is a wonder antioxidant that helps prevent damage from free radicals, absorbs energy from UV light, has anti-inflammatory properties, and improves the skin’s ability to protect itself. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds and nuts, sunflower seeds, and spinach.
Polyphenols
Drinking green or black tea is one of the best home remedies for skin cancer. Polyphenols, powerful plant compounds found in tea, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-inhibiting properties that can help prevent skin cancer and repair DNA in UV-exposed sensitive skin.
Zinc
Zinc helps the immune system function to fight cancer and diseases and activates certain antioxidants in the body. Studies have shown that zinc can increase the level of proteins in DNA repair and reduce the type of DNA damage that leads to cancer. Zinc-rich foods include beef, lamb, shellfish, chickpeas, and black beans.
Selenium
Studies have shown that a higher selenium intake can lower the risk of cancer and cancer deaths. You can find selenium in chicken, grass-fed beef, and Brazil nuts.
Beta Carotene
Beta Carotene offers health benefits by converting to vitamin A in your body. Although it hasn’t been shown to prevent skin cancer, eating foods that are rich in beta carotene might help reduce the risk factors of some cancers (plus, they boost the immune system’s ability to fight disease). Go for vegetables and fruits that are orange in color, like carrots, squash, apricots, and sweet potatoes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While there are a variety of treatments available for melanoma, a more natural option is to incorporate a healthy diet, and the best diet for melanoma and other types of skin cancer is one rich in fatty acids. It is well-known that omega-3 fatty acids can be highly beneficial to health. For those looking to treat skin cancer naturally, it is essential to incorporate them into the diet. Omega-3s inhibit the chemical COX-2, which has been linked to the spread of skin cancer, and they also have anti-inflammatory effects. Fatty fish like herring, albacore tuna, salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds are great sources of omega-3s.
Lycopene
Studies show that the same red pigment in tomatoes that helps protect them from the sun may also protect your skin. In fact, after a 10-week study, a cancer patient who regularly ate tomato paste was 40 percent less likely to be sunburned than those who did not eat the tomato paste! In addition to tomatoes, you can find lycopene in foods like watermelon, papaya, guava, apricots, and pink grapefruit.
By incorporating these foods into your diet, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. While these natural treatments for skin cancer are not a substitute for medical treatment, they can be a useful complement to it.
Topical Treatments for Skin Cancer
Topical treatments are also popular natural treatments for skin cancer. While surgery and targeted therapy are often the go-to treatments for skin cancer, many people turn to natural herbal remedies to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Time-Tested Home Remedy
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including skin cancer. Its active compound, acetic acid, has been shown to help reduce acidity in the body and may help kill cancer cells. To use apple cider vinegar topically, simply apply a small amount to a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected area. However, it’s important to note that apple cider vinegar should not be used as a replacement for traditional cancer therapy treatments, and its effectiveness in preventing or curing cancer has not been proven.
Coconut Oil: A Powerful Moisturizer That May Protect Against Skin Cancer
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties but may also help protect against skin cancer. Studies have shown that coconut oil fights against free radical formation, which can damage skin cells and increase cancer risk. To use coconut oil as a natural remedy for skin cancer, simply apply it directly to the affected area and massage it into the skin.
Eggplant Extract: A Surprising Skin Cancer Treatment
Eggplant extract may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of skin cancer treatment, but studies have shown that it can be an effective natural remedy. In a study published in Cancer Letters, purple eggplant extract was found to be effective in treating keratosis, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Eggplant extract creams with a 10% concentration of solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides have been used as topical skin cancer treatment home remedies since 1825.
Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer
Protection against skin cancer starts with guarding your skin against the sun’s UV rays. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher when you go outdoors and be mindful of spending too much time in the sun, especially during peak hours. You should also wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats.
Perform regular skin examinations as well, searching for changes in the size, shape, or color of moles, lesions, or patches on your body. Be on the lookout for any new growths or areas of discoloration, and don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional if you spot anything out of the ordinary.
Incorporating natural remedies into your skincare routine protects your skin from skin cancer. Turmeric, for instance, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help avoid cellular damage and lower skin cancer risk. Moreover, Vitamin C fights free radical damage, a common cause of skin cancer, and other skin conditions. For optimal protection, integrate these natural treatments into your daily skincare regime.
Holistic Skin Cancer Treatment
While skin cancer can’t be cured on its own, several natural treatments may be able to prevent other invasive treatment methods. Holistic skin cancer treatment can mean something different for everyone. At Immunity Therapy Center, we offer the most comprehensive program in alternative cancer treatments.
We know that each cancer is unique, which is why we pride ourselves on treating our patients in a relaxing and loving atmosphere and providing undivided attention to every person.
Our targeted therapy options have proven successful in treating cancerous tissue and provide alternatives to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. Before trying any new remedy, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider and discuss the best approach for your diagnosis. With the right diagnosis on natural treatments, you can help improve your chances of healing and living a healthy, cancer-free life.
Immunity Therapy Center offers alternative therapies, including hyperthermia, vitamin C infusion, ozone therapy, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, laser cancer treatment, and mind-body therapies to support individuals with skin cancer. These therapies aim to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Combining these alternative therapies with conventional medical treatments creates a comprehensive approach to addressing skin cancer. Consulting with the healthcare professionals at Immunity Therapy Center ensures a personalized treatment plan based on individual needs and preferences.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, we welcome you to contact us today. Until then, we’re wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- Can Your Diet Help Prevent Skin Cancer? Skin Cancer. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/can-your-diet-help-prevent-skin-cancer/
- Does Vitamin A Help Reduce Skin Cancer Risk? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325931
- Home Remedies for Skin Cancer. HDFC Health. https://www.hdfchealth.com/knowledge-center/health-and-living-guide/home-remedies-for-skin-cancer.aspx
- What Is Skin Cancer? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323439
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Prevent or Treat Cancer? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-cancer
- Healthy Skin: How You Can Benefit From Coconut Oil. Skinvision. https://www.skinvision.com/articles/healthy-skin-how-you-can-benefit-from-coconut-oil/
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Cancer? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323439
- What Causes Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.